Skiing icon Lindsey Vonn provided an update on her condition through social media following her third surgery after a severe crash that shattered her Olympic aspirations at Milan‑Cortina. The 41-year-old American endured a leg fracture during the Milan Cortina Games and required immediate hospitalization following a significant accident, shortly after tearing her ACL.
Vonn, a member of Team USA, collided with a gate, losing her balance and tumbling down the slope just 13 seconds into her women’s downhill run. After initial treatment, she was airlifted to a nearby medical facility for additional care.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday evening, Vonn expressed, “I underwent my 3rd surgery today, and it was a success. The definition of success has changed significantly for me in the past few days. Progress may be slow, but I remain optimistic about my recovery. Grateful for the exceptional medical team, as well as my friends, family, and the overwhelming support and love from people worldwide.”
She also congratulated her teammates and all Team USA athletes for their inspiring performances, providing her with motivation and something to cheer for.
It was confirmed later on that Vonn would require multiple surgeries to mend her leg, with the third surgery now completed. A prolonged recovery period lies ahead, although there is a possibility that she may return to the slopes within a year.
Fellow skier Federica Brignone, who endured multiple leg fractures and a torn anterior cruciate ligament at the 2025 Italian Championships last April, made a comeback after just 10 months. Brignone competed against Vonn on Cortina’s Olympia piste.
Andrea Panzeri, head of the Medical Commission of the Italian Winter Sports Federation, mentioned, “It’s challenging to give a prognosis without reviewing the X‑rays. It’s a complicated fracture that, regardless of age, could impact an athlete’s career. However, Brignone faced a severe fracture and managed to recover.”
Orthopaedic surgeon Filippo Pierfrancesco Calanna from Milan’s Gaetano Pini Orthopaedic and Trauma Centre noted, “Recovery tends to be slower with age, despite Vonn’s exceptional physical attributes. Motivation and mindset play crucial roles in the recovery process. There is a potential risk of early arthritis development, leading to reduced joint function, stiffness, and pain over time.”
Vonn’s history of leg injuries, including a partial knee implant, may influence her recovery timeline.